Adam Herman and Jake Dowling joined Emma Dennis, an attorney, Union DD board member, and person with lived experience navigating DD services, for an Ohio DD Council “lunch and learn”-style session introducing approximately two dozen Ohio House and Senate staff members to the county board system. The discussion walked staff through how people access services, the role of local funding and Medicaid waivers, and why available supports can differ across county lines. Staff also learned how growing fiscal pressures, including increasing mandatory Medicaid waiver match costs, can place locally funded services such as Early Intervention and others at risk. The session concluded with practical guidance for legislative offices assisting constituents with disabilities, encouraging staff to view their local county board superintendent as a resource for resolving constituent concerns and connecting people with appropriate services and supports.
From left to right: Colin Connors (DD Council), Adam Herman, Emma Dennis (Union DD), Pepper, Lori Kershner (LMK Advocacy), and Paul Jarvis (Ohio DD Council).